Get Educated

The first thing a bear thinks about and his prime motivation is FOOD!

Bears have a tremendous sense of smell which guides them on their search for food.

Bears are attracted to residences in the quest for an easy meal.

Bear problems tend to be temporary. If the bear doesn't find food, he moves on.

Bear problems need to be addressed on a neighborhood basis. You can do all the right things but, if your neighbors don't, the bear will stay around.

Black bears are generally docile

When given a way to avoid conflict with people, they usually take it.

Bears are not vindictive and do not "get mad" when garbage or food is removed.

Black bears are smart

They learn rapidly and know where they have found food in the past. Once they have hit "pay dirt" they may damage property to get the food source again.

Bears can pry open doors, windows, dumpsters or other structures if they can get their claws or teeth into a crack or opening. Normally they will do this only if they smell food inside or have "been lucky" before. They can easily tear through screens.

Black bears climb trees when frightened

Treed bears will usually come down ifleftalone. They may remain in a tree for several days.

Goverment policy

There is NO bear relocation program in the state of California.

The California Department of Fish and Game WILL NOT relocate bears.

When a complaint is registered about a problem bear that involves a threat to personal
safety, or property damage, a depradation permit is issued. A trap is set and ANY bear
that enters the trap is destroyed.

People who create situations where bears get food, begin a cycle which usually results in the death of a bear.

Note: County ordinances throughout the Tahoe Basin require Bear Proof enclosures be installed and used properly whenever bears have gained access to garbage.